THE DOLOMITES

The Dolomites are named after French naturalist Déodat de Dolomieu who, in the second half of the eighteenth century, was the first to study the particular type of rock predominant in this region.

The unique mix of minerals present in the rock gives the mountains a special light shade, which is why they are also called the pale mountains. However, at sunset and sunrise the Dolomites are set ablaze by the rays of the sun in a spectacle of colours ranging from pink to fiery red. This is the effect of the famous Enrosadira, or Alpenglow phenomenon.

Two hundred and fifty million years ago, these mountains were a mass of shells, corals and algae, submerged in tropical seas. Emerging 70 million years ago, and eroded by time and weather, today they represent a magnificent geological treasure and give the landscape an incomparable beauty.

Cortina d'Ampezzo, whose mountains are completely inserted in the UNESCO area and under protection of the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites, is the perfect place to wander and discover this uniquely beautiful world of immense vertical walls, spires and pinnacles, green valleys, high mountain pastures, forests, streams, beautiful lakes, canyons and waterfalls.